Irisin lowers blood pressure in Zucker diabetic rats by regulating the functions of renal angiotensin II type 1 receptor via the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway

•Chronic irisin administration significantly reduces hypertension, improves kidney function, and promotes urinary sodium excretion in ZDF rats.•Chronic irisin administration alleviates renal inflammation and renal oxidative stress in ZDF rats.•Chronic irisin administration reduces the expression of and restores the function of renal AT1R, probably by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in ZDF rats.